|
| Philippine Tube-nosed Fruit Bat Nyctimene rabori Heaney and Peterson, 1984 |
| Common Names: Paniki ,
bayakan Status: Populations have declined severely since 1950 as a result of habitat destruction, and they face extinction on Negros Island, and perhaps elsewhere, within 10 years if current trends continue (Mickleburgh et al., 1992; Utzurrum, 1992). SSC/CSG: Priority Grade 1 (Endangered). IUCN:Critically endangered Habitat:Restricted to lowland forest, usually in primary forest but known to occur in secondary forest on Cebu (Vinciguerra & Muller, 1993) and Sibuyan (Goodman & Ingle, 1993). Known from 200 to 1300 m on Negros, but probably now absent below 600 m because of the absence of forest; rare or uncommon at all known sites (Peterson and Heaney, 1984; Heaney et al., 1989; Heideman & Heaney, 1989; Mickleburgh et al., 1992;Utzurrum, 1992). On Sibuyan, known only from lightly-disturbed mature forest near sea level (Goodman & Ingle, 1993). Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines; recorded only from Cebu, Negros and Sibuyan. Restricted to lowland forest, usually in primary forest but known to occur in secondary forest on Cebu. Known only from lightly-disturbed forest near sea-level. Description / Behavior: Head and body length is 75-136 mm, tail length is 15-28 mm, and forearm length is 50-86 mm. One adult weighed 42 grams. The coloration is usually buffy gray above, but on some species it is buffy or creamy. The underparts are usually paler. A dark brown spinal stripe is usually present, and the wings, forearms, and ear membranes are speckled with yellow. The common name refers to the tubular nostrils that project from the upper surface of the muzzle to a length of about 6 mm. In its resting position, the animal hangs freely, wrapped in the wing membranes. When these bats begin calling or when there is a disturbance, the nostrils are stretched outward and moved with a slight trembling motion. Possibly the peculiar shape of the nostrils serves some purpose in giving ultrasonic sounds for orientation. While in flight, these bats emit a high, whistling note. Feeds on forest fruit, specially wild figs. Threats: Population has declined severely since 1950 due to habitat destruction, and face extinction within 10 years if current trends continue. Conservation Efforts/Measures:Bat Learning Center, Subic Photograph Information: Courtesy of the Museum of Natural History, JC Gonzales and FFI. [middle] Photos taken by JC Gonzales and Andres Tomas L. Dans. Philippine Tube-nosed Bat from Negros Island.[right and left ] taken by Paul Heideman |
|
|
 |
This website is designed
and maintained by
Pia Belardo
.
Graphic images concept from
Pia
Belardo . Since 04.03.1996
Updated 10.30.2001
© Copyright 1996 - 2001
EESP. All rights
reserved.
